While the metropolitan centres of Vancouver and Victoria offer major collections, smaller communities such as Wells, Nelson, and the Gulf Islands abound with galleries and artist's studios. Drive the self-guided Purple Banner Route to connect with local artists in Gibsons, Sechelt and on the Sunshine Coast.

Aboriginal artists have left their mark in the natural environment as well: Look for ancient red ochre pictographs on sheer rock faces near Princeton and Hedley, and the majestic totem poles of Gwaii Haanas Provincial Park and the Kispiox Valley near New Hazelton. Duncan’s 80 totem poles have earned the city its moniker of the “City of Totems.”

Admire limited edition prints at Roy Henry Vickers’ Eagle Aerie Gallery (in Tofino) that are just as stunning as the traditional north coast longhouse they are housed in. BC’s largest public art collection – about 17,000 pieces – decorates the walls and halls of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

Artistic Communities in BC

Many artists are drawn to the simple charm of small (and off the beaten path) arts communities such as the Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands, Queen Charlotte Islands and Crawford Bay (near Creston), where traditional arts such as pottery, glass blowing, forgery, and painting, as well as non-traditional arts, all flourish. The Kelowna Cultural District and Granville Island in Vancouver are good examples of thriving arts neighbourhoods set in the heart of major city centres.

Well-preserved heritage buildings in Nelson and brightly painted store fronts in Wells are good indicators of the artistic flair these communities are known for.

Art Routes

Art routes make it easy to find studios and galleries and are a self-guided, unscheduled way to view artisans at work in their studios. “Art Walks” in various communities around the province transform downtowns into a string of mini-galleries.

In the month of August, take part in the BC Cultural Crawl. More than 80 communities around the province participate, with events centred around everything from music to culinary arts to community art walks.

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An artist-run co-op full of a diverse range of artistic creations. One of the largest art galleries on the north coast of BC. Items are all handmade locally & include painting, photography, wood & stone carvings, fabric arts from knitting to quilting, artisan jewelry, beautiful pottery & so much more. We are located right at the cruise ship dock in the Atlin Terminal Water Front Market. Come visit us & take your time & enjoy the spectacular scenery as well. See eagles soaring above, you might even catch a glimpse of an Orca.

Pynelogs Cultural Centre & Art Gallery is the home to the Columbia Valley Arts Council & is the primary cultural venue for Invermere & the Columbia Valley. This log building features an Art Gallery, gift shop, cafe, as well as space for concerts, films, workshops & special events. Built in 1914, this heritage building with a rich history celebrated its 100th Birthday in 2014. Located on the shores of Lake Windermere, Pynelogs is a cultural destination for visual, performing, culinary & literary arts.

The Glass Hive Studio is an operating studio that teaches the art of fused glass and sells finished product in the retail area of the studio. The daily classes are from beginners to advanced and all materials are supplied. You will have a rainbow of colours of glass to choose from for your projects and will have nothing but fun creating. Even the most artistically challenged person is amazed at what they can do when they are finished their class. I make everything from wind chimes to elegant vases and dinnerware in the studio and also do custom work.

This internationally recognized gallery is one of Canada's specialists in the finest quality European & North American paintings from the 18th, 19th & early 20th century. The gallery also showcases a careful selection of antiques. Both museums & private collectors have come to rely on the gallery for a full range of services relating to acquisitions, consignment, sales, appraisals, conservation & framing. The first building is located on the south end of the Granville Street Bridge.

A world-class art encounter awaits you at the Vancouver Art Gallery. From historical masters to groundbreaking contemporary artists, this internationally acclaimed art museum offers the city's top cultural experience. Be sure to save time for the locally-loved Gallery Café and Gallery Store! Children 12 and under go free on Sundays.

Other businesses with Art Galleries & Artists

Armstrong/Spallumcheen Museum and Art Society operates a museum, archives and art gallery. This facility is open to the public by donation and makes available the artifacts, archival material and artwork of this region. The Society actively collects, organizes, houses, preserves and presents this material.

We have monthly art shows showcasing artists of the North Okanagan from May through to the last week of November. The museum also operates a gift shop and contains books and postcards from the local area as well as work from local artisans.

In December we are open the last 3 weekends for the Christmas season and "Festival of Trees".

Discover Okanagan wineries, restaurants, boutiques, studios and other fantastic places! Follow the Bead Trail and collect both a bead and the story at each location as you go.

Each business has it's own signature bead for you to find and collect. It's a fun and affordable way to get yourself a beautiful, unique piece of jewelry. Get started with a map and a bracelet at participating Okanagan Visitor Centres and businesses.

Fall in love with the diversity of life as you explore over 2 million plants & animals. Stare through the jaws of the largest creature ever to live on Earth, a 26-metre-long blue whale skeleton! The natural history museum houses six major collections including fish, fossils, shells, insects, fungi, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians & plant specimens from around British Columbia & the world. Drop-in public programs include activity stations, tours, crafts, puppet shows & more. The museum also hosts interesting lectures, workshops & temporary art exhibits. Visit our website for more information. Come for a full day at UBC & visit MOA, UBC Botanical Garden & Greenheart Canopy Walkway.

The Chilliwack Museum is located at the Chilliwack City Hall National Historic Site, a 1911 Beaux Arts building designed by architect Thomas Hooper. The temporary gallery presents exhibits on modern issues within an historical context, while permanent exhibits show how aboriginal people & newcomers got together after the 1858 gold rush to create a new culturally diverse community. The Chamber's Gallery offers a variety of changing art exhibits. Local history books & work by local artisans are available in the Gift Shop.

The Chilliwack Archives is the central repository for eastern Fraser Valley records & provides researchers with access to photographs, books, documents, government records, newspapers, sound recordings & maps. Our friendly staff can help answer almost any question on the history of the area.

Where else in the world can rusty tin-sided factories boast rebirth as a Public Market, shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, a hotel, and so much more? Formerly an industrial area, Granville Island's ambiance is uniquely amazing. Performers, artists and great food await.